Awami League leader Amu remanded for 6 days, lawyer assaulted in court

The former minister faces charges over the death of trader Abdul Wadud during the anti-discrimination protests in July

A court has granted police six days to interrogate Awami League leader Amir Hossain Amu in custody over the killing of trader Abdul Wadud during the anti-discrimination protests in Dhaka’s New Market area.

Dhaka Metropolitan Magistrate Shahin Reza issued the order on Thursday after a hearing on the police’s remand application.

Investigating Officer Jahangir Arif presented Amu in court, seeking a 10-day remand, with Public Prosecutor Omar Faruq arguing for it.

During the hearing, Amu’s lawyer Swapan Roy Chowdhury contended that the prosecutor’s remarks were 'political', angering other lawyers in attendance.

They physically assaulted Swapan, knocking him down near the courtroom door.

Eventually, some lawyers escorted him out, after which he demanded justice for the attack before reporters.

Following the disruption, former minister Amu addressed the lawyers with the court’s permission, saying, “I am a member of both the Dhaka Bar and Supreme Court Bar Associations. I am saddened by this environment. Lawyers should work together peacefully. The current situation won’t last forever.”

His statement further stirred pro-BNP lawyers, but PP Faruq stepped in to calm tempers.

Amu later said, “We should support our own sides without getting ourselves involved in internal conflicts.”

In response, Faruq said, “When you were in power, did you look out for the interests of the Supreme Court and Dhaka Bar? Lawyers were doing well. But during [bar association] elections, ballots were tampered with and lawyers were assaulted. What role did you play then?”

Amu replied, “When the initial unrest occurred, I opposed it. I chose not to vote and boycotted it.”

The court ultimately approved a six-day remand for his questioning.

Before that, Faruq had argued that Amu misled Sheikh Hasina’s father and later Hasina herself, convincing her that she didn't need a political party to remain in power. This led to the deaths of thousands of students and citizens, he said.

“As coordinator of the 14-party alliance, Amu actively opposed the Anti-discrimination Student Movement and called to resist it in alliance meetings. His planning, conspiracy, and support led to businessman Wadud’s death,” Faruq added.

According to case details, Wadud was killed by police fire in Nilkhet on Jul 19 during the Anti-discrimination Student Movement protests. Wadud’s brother-in-law, Abdur Rahman, later filed a murder case against 130 people, including deposed prime minister Hasina and minister Obaidul Quader.

Amu was apprehended by police detectives from Dhanmondi on Nov 6 and has since been placed under arrest in the case.